The ball's in your court!

Idioms! The English language is littered with them. So today I thought I'd focus on some idioms which originally came from a specific sport/activity but which are now used in day to day life.

Here are 7 examples:-

The ball's in your court

Meaning - it's your decision or responsibility to do something now

Example: "I've given you all the information you wanted, so I guess the ball's in your court, regarding what to do next?

Give 'something' your best shot

Meaning - to try your hardest

Example: " I know it's difficult, but just give it your best shot. That's all you can do.

Go overboard

Meaning - to do or say more than you need to (negative).

Example: 'I think that some people really go overboard when it comes to Christmas decorations".

Jump the gun

Meaning - start too early

Example: " I guess I jumped the gun by talking about marriage on the first date!

A long shot

Meaning - an action that is unlikely to succeed.

Example: His request for a pay rise was a long shot, but he was desperate for money.

Start/set the ball rolling

Meaning - to begin an activity which involves a group of people

Example: We need to discuss this problem with the team. I'll start the ball rolling by organising a meeting.

Learn the ropes

Meaning - to learn how to do the basics of a job/activity

Example: "Four weeks should be enough time for you to learn the ropes".

Above lists just a few examples. There are many, many more. Hopefully you'll find a occasion to use one soon.

Until next time......

#nativeway, #brzegdolnynativespeaker, #idioms